Standardized Incidence Ratios Research Articles

Radiotherapy and Increased Risk of Second Primary Cancers in Breast Cancer Survivors: An Epidemiological and Large Cohort Study

BackgroundRadiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer (BC) may raise the risk of second primary cancers (SPCs), a relationship inadequately studied. MethodsWe analyzed 248268 female BC patients from 9 SEER registries, 1988-2018 , identifying SPCs >5 years after initial treatment, comparing SPC risks between RT and non-RT cohorts using Fine-Gray and Poisson regressions. ResultsOf all participants, 55.4% received surgery and RT. The RT group had a higher SPC incidence, with excess incidence significantly dropped from 6.9% in 1990 to 0.2% in 2012. The 30-year SPC incidence was 24.69% in the RT cohort and 18.11% in the NRT cohort. RT increased the risk of SPCs(HR, 1.29 [95%CI,1.26-1.33];P<0.001), BC(HR, 1.58[1.52-1.64];P<0.001), cancer of respiratory system(HR, 1.21[1.13-1.30];P=0.013), skin cancer(HR, 1.26[1.10-1.44];P<0.001), leukemia(HR, 1.30[1.11-1.54];P=0.001), soft tissue cancer(HR, 1.78[1.34-2.37]; P<0.001), and eye & orbit cancer(HR, 2.21[1.02-4.80];P=0.044), except for reducing the risk of multiple myeloma (HR 0.76). Notably, RT-related risks(RR) for BC declined with increasing age and the year of BC diagnosed, increased with longer latency, but the dynamic RR for cancer of respiratory system presented the almost opposite trends. The RT cohort had higher standardized incidence ratios than the NRT cohort and general population. Although 15-year overall survival was similar between RT and NRT cohorts, SPC presence significantly lowered 30-year survival from 35.64% to 23.90%. ConclusionsRT might increase susceptibility to SPC in breast, respiratory system, skin, soft tissue, eye and orbit, and leukemia in BC survivors. Efforts should be made to timely diagnose SPCs based on their specific patterns to improve patient’s quality of life.

Associations of radiotherapy receipt with lung cancer risk by histological subtype among breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Radiotherapy for breast cancer has been associated with an increased risk of secondary malignancies, including primary lung cancer. Whether this association varies by histological subtype of lung cancer remains unknown. Based on the data from 12 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries, we examined the association between radiotherapy receipt and the risk of subtype-specific subsequent primary lung cancer (SPLC) among female first primary breast cancer cases diagnosed between ages 20 and 84 from 1992 to 2020. More than half (53%) of the 550,007 breast cancer survivors identified had undergone radiotherapy as part of their initial breast cancer treatment. Over an average follow-up of 9.7 years, 8014 survivors developed SPLCs. For small-cell carcinoma, the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) compared with the general population was higher for survivors who received radiotherapy (SIR = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-1.25) but similar for those who did not receive radiotherapy (SIR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.91-1.09), with the difference in SIRs being statistically significant (p = .003). Similar associations were found for squamous cell carcinoma (SIRyes = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08-1.24 vs. SIRno/unknown = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.98-1.15; p = .07). The increased risks were confined to ipsilateral SPLC, with the greatest SIRs for small-cell carcinoma occurring 5-10 years since breast cancer diagnosis (SIR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.53-2.19) and for squamous cell carcinoma with a latency of 10 years or more (SIR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.42-1.88). In contrast, the risk of developing adenocarcinoma did not vary by radiotherapy receipt (SIRyes = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.18-1.28 vs. SIRno/unknown = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12-1.22; p = .18), indicating additional risk factors in play. The findings suggest a distinct carcinogenic pathway of radiation-induced lung cancer across histological subtypes and may inform risk-stratified surveillance guidelines for SPLC.

The effect of thyroid cancer on the survival of patients with digestive system tumors using SEER database.

The number of cancer survivors worldwide is increasing every year, making secondary primary cancers (SPC) is a growing health threat. Studies have been conducted to investigate the risk of occurrence between digestive system tumors (DST) and thyroid cancer (TC). However, existing studies have tended to focus more on the risk of developing SPC and less on the impact of SPC on the survival of cancer survivors. In this study, using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we aimed to explore the impact of TC on the survival of patients with DST by data between 2000 and 2018. The study employed the standardized incidence ratio to assess the relative risk of SPC, propensity score matching was conducted to mitigate confounding effects, Kaplan-Meier, Cox proportional risk model and competitive risk model were used to analyze the factors affecting the overall survival and cancer-specific survival. We furthermore explored the influence of pathological types and radiotherapy of TC on the survival of DST patients. 518,901 patients with DST only, 801 patients with TC occurring earlier than DST (TC-1st), and 744 patients with DST occurring earlier than TC (DST-1st) were included. The total incidence rate of small intestine cancer after TC was higher than that of the general population, and the incidence of TC after DST was higher than in the general population. DST patients with a history of TC had better overall survival and lower cancer-specific mortality and this difference was particularly significant in patients with DST-1st. In addition, radiotherapy for TC had no effect on cancer-specific mortality in patients with DST.

Risk for second primary ovarian cancer: a large population based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

This study aims to evaluate the likelihood of developing a second primary ovarian cancer (OC) considering factors including age, race, and the types of initial malignancies encountered. This study employed a retrospective cohort approach, compiling data on individuals diagnosed with OC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program databases spanning the years 1975 to 2019. The analysis used standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine the likelihood of developing OC. The result was further refined by categorizing the data based on patient age, race background, first primary cancer types, the time elapsed since the second primary cancer diagnosis, and radiotherapy treatment. A total of 1,536,151 patients with second primary cancer being OC were included. The SIR of the second primary OC was observed to be elevated among patients between the ages of 18 to 64 years (SIR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.13). In contrast, for patients who were 65 years of age or older, the SIR for a second primary OC was found to be relatively lower (SIR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.83-0.91). A lowering, however not statistically significant, of the SIR of the second primary OC in patients with white race was presented. Within 2 months to 1-year diagnosis interval, the SIR of the second primary OC was highest (SIR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.37-1.61). Liver, gallbladder, intrahepatic, and other bile ducts (SIR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.38-2.81), and breast cancer (SIR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.15-1.25) had higher SIRs of second primary OC. This study identifies age, ethnicity, the time span between the diagnoses, and the types of initial cancers as factors correlated with the occurrence of a second primary OC. Our findings suggest that targeted surveillance should be considered for high-risk groups.

Second primary cancers in patients with a pharyngeal index tumour: a register-based cohort study.

While prior research on the SPC (second primary cancer) risk among pharyngeal carcinoma (PC) patients has been conducted in other regions, the European perspective is underrepresented. Our register-based cohort study aims to assess the subsite-specific risk of SPC among individuals initially diagnosed with a pharyngeal index tumour. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) of SPC were calculated relative to the general population for all patients diagnosed with a primary oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (OPC, NPC, and HPC) in Finland during 1953-2021. A total of 4701 PC patients - 3320 men (71%) and 1381 women (29%) - were identified. The average and median follow-up times were 5.7 and 2.8 years, respectively. A SPC was diagnosed in 561 patients (11.9%): in 12.3% of men (n = 410) and 10.9% of women (n = 151). For male PC patients, the overall SIR for an SPC at any primary site was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.65-2.01). For female patients, the corresponding SIR was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.60-2.22). OPC and HPC showed increased risks for SPCs of the mouth/pharynx (SIR 4.41 and 6.91, respectively) and respiratory organs (SIR 3.51 and 4.80). OPC patients also had an increased risk in digestive organs (SIR 1.83). Male NPC patients exhibited increased risks for oral/pharyngeal, brain, and haematolymphoid SPCs (SIRs 5.14, 6.60, and 3.05, respectively). PC patients face an 80% higher SPC risk, which persists decades after treatment. Healthcare professionals must be aware of this, providing counselling and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, including smoking cessation, while monitoring symptoms.

Prevalence and outcomes of cancer and treatment-associated toxicities for patients with Ataxia Telangiectasia

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) is a DNA repair disorder with cancer predisposition. Characterize the prevalence and outcomes of hematologic and solid cancers and treatment-associated toxicities in individuals with A-T. Data was retrospectively analyzed from the Johns Hopkins Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center cohort. Cumulative incidence and standardized incidence ratios of cancer, survival probability after cancer diagnosis, and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. Cox regression estimated risk of death based on chemotherapy (standard v reduced) dosing and multivariable logistic regression evaluated cancer risk associations with ATM exons and variants. Eighty-four (16.5%) of 508 individuals were diagnosed with a primary cancer, 62 (74%) were hematologic in origin and 22 (26%) were solid organ cancers. The cumulative incidence of cancer was 29% by age 35 years. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurred most frequently (n=39), while solid cancers disproportionately affected those ≥18 years old (n=22). The standardized mortality ratio was 24.6 (95% CI:21.1-28.4) overall and 232.9 (95% CI:178.1-299.2) among individuals with cancer. Risk of death was higher when treated with standard/unknown versus modified chemotherapy (HR 2.2, 95% CI:1.1-4.4, p=0.024). Chemotherapy-associated toxicities developed in 58% of individuals, predominantly neurologic (n=14) and gastrointestinal (n=10) systems. Three exons were enriched for cancer-associated variants. Individuals with A-T experience a wide array of blood and solid organ malignancies, high mortality rates, and treatment related toxicities, highlighting need for targeted therapies to mitigate toxicity and optimize survival. A-T patients with cancer face elevated mortality rates, underscoring the urgency for tailored therapies to minimize toxicity and improve survival outcomes.

Risk of second primary cancers in nodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients by primary lymph node location: a retrospective cohort population-based study.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of blood cancers with increasing incidence and survival rates due to advancements in treatment and early detection. However, NHL survivors are at significant risk of developing second primary cancers, which can adversely impact their long-term survival. This retrospective population-based cohort study utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, covering 17 geographic areas in the United States from 2000 to 2021. The authors included patients diagnosed with nodal NHL as a first primary cancer and excluded those diagnosed at autopsy or via death certificate only. Standardized Incidence Ratios, Absolute Excess Risks, and Person-Years at Risk were calculated to evaluate the risk of developing SPCs according to the primary lymph node site and stratified by latency periods following the initial NHL diagnosis. The cohort included 54012 NHL patients. The authors' results showed that for most SPCs, the risk of development was different for different primary NHL lymph node locations. The highest risks were observed for thyroid cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Notably, the risk for thyroid cancer was highest in the first year post-diagnosis, while hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia and Hodgkin lymphoma showed elevated risks in the intermediate and late latency periods. NHL survivors are at an increased risk of developing SPCs, influenced by the primary lymph node site and latency period. These findings highlight the need for tailored surveillance strategies and preventive measures to mitigate the long-term risks of SPCs in NHL survivors. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions for this high-risk population.

The Surveillance Strategy for Intraductal Pancreatic Mucinous Neoplasms: Criteria for Discontinuation.

To review the surveillance of IPMN, the risk of pancreatic cancer and the cost of surveillance. The increasing IPMN prevalence and low pancreatic cancer associated with IPMN question the necessity and cost-effectiveness of surveillance. Guidelines favour a 'watch and wait' approach, lacking clarity on stopping surveillance. This study aims to identify patients with pancreatic cancer risk equivalent to their age group, create guidelines for stopping surveillance and reduce NHS costs. Retrospective analysis of IPMN patients on surveillance in the WoS. Clinicopathological data were collected. Endpoints included pancreatic cancer development and surveillance pathway cost estimation. Age-matched controls were used for comparison using standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for pancreatic cancer. Of 746 patients, 27 (3.62%) were resected. 3 (0.402%) developed pancreatic cancer and 44 (5.90%) developed worrisome features/ high-risk stigmata after a median surveillance of 48 (IQR 48) months. 221 (29.6%) had a stable cyst for at least 5 years and their SIR was 1.56 (95% CI 0.04-8.71). Patients ≥75 years with stable cysts for ≥5 years, SIR was 1.71 (95% CI 0.03-3.42). Patients ≥65 years with stable cysts of <15mm for ≥5 years and patients with stable cysts of <10mm for ≥5 years, had SIRs of 0. The cost of surveillance was £6,330.36 ($8,105.65) per resected patient and £2,032.78 ($2,602.85) per non-resected patient. Patients with stable IPMNs have similar pancreatic cancer risk as the general population. Surveillance discontinuation can be considered after 5 years in a cohort of patients, saving £106,211.19 ($136,020.42) per year.

Second Primary Cancer Risks After Breast Cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Pathogenic Variant Carriers.

Second primary cancer (SPC) risks after breast cancer (BC) in BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variant (PV) carriers are uncertain. We estimated relative and absolute risks using a novel linkage of genetic testing data to population-scale National Disease Registration Service and Hospital Episode Statistics electronic health records. We followed 25,811 females and 480 males diagnosed with BC and tested for germline BRCA1/BRCA2 PVs in NHS Clinical Genetics centers in England between 1995 and 2019 until SPC diagnosis, death, migration, contralateral breast/ovarian surgery plus 1 year, or the 31st of December 2020. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) using English population incidences, hazard ratios (HRs) comparing carriers to noncarriers using Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier 10-year cumulative risks. There were 1,840 BRCA1 and 1,750 BRCA2 female PV carriers. Compared with population incidences, BRCA1 carriers had elevated contralateral BC (CBC; SIR, 15.6 [95% CI, 11.8 to 20.2]), ovarian (SIR, 44.0 [95% CI, 31.4 to 59.9]), combined nonbreast/ovarian (SIR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.59 to 2.92]), colorectal (SIR, 4.80 [95% CI, 2.62 to 8.05]), and endometrial (SIR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.07 to 6.35]) SPC risks. BRCA2 carriers had elevated CBC (SIR, 7.70 [95% CI, 5.45 to 10.6]), ovarian (SIR, 16.8 [95% CI, 10.3 to 26.0]), pancreatic (SIR, 5.42 [95% CI, 2.09 to 12.5]), and combined nonbreast/ovarian (SIR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.24 to 2.23]) SPC risks. Compared with females without BRCA1/BRCA2 PVs on testing, BRCA1 carriers had elevated CBC (HR, 3.60 [95% CI, 2.65 to 4.90]), ovarian (HR, 33.0 [95% CI, 19.1 to 57.1]), combined nonbreast/ovarian (HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.05 to 2.01]), and colorectal (HR, 2.93 [95% CI, 1.53 to 5.62]) SPC risks. BRCA2 carriers had elevated CBC (HR, 2.40 [95% CI, 1.70 to 3.40]), ovarian (HR, 12.0 [95% CI, 6.70 to 21.5]), and pancreatic (HR, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.34 to 9.48]) SPC risks. Ten-year cumulative CBC, ovarian, and combined nonbreast/ovarian cancer risks were 16%/6.3%/7.8% (BRCA1 carriers), 12%/3.0%/6.2% (BRCA2 carriers), and 3.6%/0.4%/4.9% (noncarriers). Male BRCA2 carriers had higher CBC (HR, 13.1 [95% CI, 1.19 to 146]) and prostate (HR, 5.61 [95% CI, 1.96 to 16.0]) SPC risks than noncarriers. Survivors of BC carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 PVs are at high SPC risk. They may benefit from enhanced surveillance and risk-reduction measures.

Regional variation in incidence and mortality due to hypertension in Sao Tome and Principe

Abstract Background The analysis of incidence and mortality due to hypertension (HT) provides statistical data for addressing public health programs, particularly in low-income countries where poor health systems impose constraints to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aims to assess the geographic pattern of incidence and mortality due to HT in Sao Tome and Principe (STP). Methods This is a descriptive ecological study. Aggregated data on new cases of and deaths due to HT by gender, age-group and district (2022-2023) were extracted from the Health National Database (STP Ministry of Health). Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was computed by district (lower values indicate better quality of care). Comparison between districts was done through standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and respective p-value. Analyses were stratified by gender. Results ASIR and ASMR per 100,000 were, respectively, 1168.9 (95%CI:1103.3-1237.6) and 76.8 (95%CI:62.0-96.2) among men and 2460.6 (95%CI:2365.0-2559.0) and 99.7 (95%CI:81.4-121.6) among women. Incidence of HT was significantly higher than expected (p &amp;lt; 0.001) in Agua Grande, Caue and Lemba with SIR varying from 122.8% (Agua Grande) to 201.1% (Caue) in men and from 125.1% (Lemba) to 224.1% (Caue) in women. Instead, Mé-Zochi presented much lower incidence than expected for both, men (SIR=43.1%;p&amp;lt;0.001) and women (SIR=38.4%;p&amp;lt;0.001). Large differences between districts were observed in MIR, varying from 0% (Caue and Lobata) to 84% (Mé-Zochi) in men and from 0% (Lobata) to 57% (Mé-Zochi) in women. Conclusions According to our findings there is, not only, a high incidence rate of HT, but also regional variation in this rate, deserving particular attention from policy-makers. Regional variation in hypertension incidence could be partially explained by differences in the quality of healthcare services. Key messages • Awareness should be given to the high incidence of hypertension demanding preventive strategies in the field of public health. • Public health strategies should address the quality of care in regards to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes by occupation – 10-year follow-up of the Gutenberg Health Study

Abstract Background In order to implement targeted type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention measures for the workplace, it is important to identify high-risk occupations. Most previous studies examine the association between T2D and occupation cross-sectionally, but longitudinal studies are missing. This study aims to investigate the 10-year incidence of T2D in the working population of a German cohort and identify occupations with an increased risk. Methods Data from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) were used to examine occupation at baseline (2007-2012) and T2D incidence at the 10-year follow-up. Occupational phases were coded into categories according to the KldB 2010. T2D was defined as either a physician-diagnosed T2D, HbA1c-level ≥6.5% or use of antidiabetic drugs. Age- and sex-standardised incidence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for occupational groups based on the age- and sex-distribution of the German population. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% CI were calculated using the incidence in the total GHS working population as the reference. Results Of 8130 workers at baseline, 45.2% were female, the mean age was 48.4 years and 4.5% had prevalent T2D. 388 cases occurred between baseline and the 10-year follow-up within the subgroup of persons without prevalent T2D at baseline and with follow-up data (n = 5954). The standardised incidence was 6.9%. “Food production and processing” (20.7%), “cleaners” (16.5%) and “drivers and mobile plant operators” (14.8%) had the highest standardised incidences. Compared to the total working population, we observed a threefold increased SIR for employees in “food production and processing” (3.0, 95% CI 1.8-4.7) and a two times higher SIR for “cleaners” (2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.7) and “drivers and mobile plant operators” (2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.3). Conclusions We identified occupations with an increased risk of T2D. Preventive measures and etiological research on work-related risks should focus on these occupations. Key messages • The highest standardised incidence was observed in the occupational groups “food production and processing”, “cleaners” and “drivers and mobile plant operators”. • Targeted prevention measures for type 2 diabetes in the workplace should focus on these occupational groups with increased incidence.

Risk of subsequent primary cancers in bladder cancer survivors

We aimed to investigate the risk of bladder cancer (BCa) survivors developing or dying from 15 specific-subsequent primary cancers (SPCs). A total of 229,554 BCa survivors were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Incidence and mortality per 10,000 person-years, absolute excess risk (AER) per 10,000 person-years, standardized incidence ratios, and standardized mortality ratios were calculated. Among BCa survivors, 38,207 developed SPCs and 17,546 died of SPCs. The risk of developing and dying from SPCs was significantly high for 10 and 6 of the 12 common SPCs in men, respectively, while for 6 and 5 of the 14 common SPCs in women, respectively. The SPCs with high risk of development in men were colorectal, breast, liver, and pancreatic cancer, and the ones with high risk of death were liver and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, SPCs with a high risk of development or death among young BCa survivors include ureter, kidney and renal pelvis, and lung cancer. In addition, BCa survivors within 1 year of diagnosis have a significantly higher risk of development and death from ureter, kidney and renal pelvis, prostate, and cervix cancer, but a lower risk of prostate cancer than the general population after 5 years of diagnosis. Lung cancer had a significantly high risk of development but a low risk of death. Among BCa survivors, the risk of developing or dying from few SPCs is significantly high. These findings may provide an important basis for clinical follow-up of BCa survivors.

The risk and distribution of second primary cancers according to subsite of primary stomach cancer: a retrospective cohort population-based study

Background: The development of second primary cancers (SPCs) following a diagnosis of stomach cancer presents a significant clinical challenge, with varying risks depending on the anatomic subsite of the primary tumor, patient demographics, and treatment modalities. This study aims to assess the risk of SPCs in stomach cancer survivors, focusing on differences across anatomic subsites, gender, age, and treatment periods. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from stomach cancer patients, analyzing the incidence of SPCs based on the anatomic location of the primary tumor, with stratifications by gender, age, latency period, and year of diagnosis. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated to compare the observed SPC rates with those expected in the general population. Results: Elevated stomach SPC risk was observed across most anatomic subsites, particularly in the body (SIR 8.84) and fundus (SIR 7.34). Females exhibited higher SIRs compared to males, especially in the fundus (SIR 13.33 for females vs. 4.55 for males). Younger patients (&lt;50 years) had significantly higher SPC risks, particularly for cancers originating in the fundus (SIR 49.56). Notably, patients diagnosed after 2010 showed the highest SIRs, indicating a potential impact of advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Non-stomach SPCs, including colorectal, lung, and thyroid cancers, were significantly elevated, with distinct patterns based on the primary tumor site. Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of primary tumor location, gender, age, and treatment era in determining SPC risk in stomach cancer survivors. These findings underscore the need for tailored surveillance strategies to manage long-term cancer risks in this population.

Changes in breast cancer incidence and surgical treatment in Baden–Württemberg (Germany) during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the diagnostics and treatment of breast cancer. Numerous studies reported an early decline in breast cancer (BC) incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Less evidence is available on changes in medical care. Reports from individual patients have provided anecdotal evidence for a shift from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy to reduce the number of visits to radiation units during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore changes in BC incidence and surgical treatment in the south of Germany. Using data from the Baden-Württemberg Cancer Registry, the age-standardized incidence of BC (ICD-10 C50 and D05) (women) in 2018–2021 was investigated overall and by age and stage using standardized incidence ratios. Among pre-operative stage I/IIA BC patients, differences in the time to surgery and type of surgery were investigated using negative binomial and logistic regression models. The incidence of invasive BC decreased significantly from 170.9 per 100,000 women in 2018/2019 to 159.7 in 2020 and increased to 169.2 in 2021. This decrease resulted from a lower incidence around April 2020 and was also observed for non-invasive BC. In 2021, incidence of invasive BC was still decreased by 8% in women aged 80 + years. Surgical treatment was analyzed in 22,708 BC patients with a pre-operative stage ≤ IIA. The median time to surgery was 33 days in 2018/2019, 32 days in 2020 and 36 days in 2021. The proportion of mastectomies increased from 16.1% in 2018/2019 to 17.1% in 2020 and 17.3% in 2021 (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (2021 vs. 2018/2019): 1.13 (1.03–1.24)). The adjusted increase was strongest for patients aged 50–59 years (1.34 (1.09–1.64)) and those with high-grade tumors (1.27 (1.07–1.51)). While the early return to pre-pandemic age-standardized BC incidence rates is promising, missed cases have not been caught up until 2021. Furthermore, the decreased incidence in elderly women in 2021 warrants further attention. In early-stage BC, a slightly greater rate of mastectomies was observed, although such a change was not recommended. This result underlines the importance of good communication of adapted treatment guidelines in such exceptional circumstances.

Increased Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/Objectives: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by an autoimmune attack on hepatocytes. The first-line treatment for AIH comprises two core components: glucocorticoids and thiopurine analog inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Numerous studies have suggested an increased risk for lymphoma among patients with either rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are treated with azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). The relative risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among autoimmune hepatitis patients treated with these immunosuppressive drugs remains unclear. We aimed at investigating the risk of NHL across a large retrospective AIH cohort after a long-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective, population-based study comprised approximately 2.7 million adults over two decades. It included adult patients aged 20 years or older at the time of autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis who had initiated treatment with azathioprine, 6-MP, or MMF. The primary outcome was the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Results: The study initially included 834 patients diagnosed with AIH. A total of 685 patients remained in the research cohort after matching the data to the local cancer registry. Compared to the predicted NHL rate in the general population, NHL incidence was considerably higher in AIH patients (Standardized Incidence Ratio, SIR = 36.5). Subgroup studies showed that lymphoma mainly affected patients 45 years of age and over and was detected primarily during the first seven years following the AIH diagnosis. No correlation was found between the incidence of NHL and the treatment drug used. Conclusions: Patients with AIH exhibit a markedly higher risk of NHL compared to the general population.

Comparison of the standardized incidence ratio of tuberculosis among workers at medical and educational institutions: a nationwide LTBI observational cohort study

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among workers at medical institutions based on interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and compare it with that of workers at educational institutions and the general population. MethodsFrom March 2017 to December 2020, we used a cohort of workers from medical and educational institutions in Korea, who underwent IGRA as part of a national screening program for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). After connecting to the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database to detect for any actual cases of active TB, we estimated standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and the expected number of cases to compare the incidence of TB with that of the general population. ResultsSignificant disparities in TB incidence were revealed among workers in medical and educational institutions, based on IGRA results, age, and occupation. Individuals positive for IGRA in medical institutions displayed substantially higher SIR for TB, 7.19 (6.15–8.41), compared to counterparts in educational institutions, 3.69 (3.02–4.51). Comparing by age group, we see that the SIRs are higher in younger age groups compared to older ones, with 37.30 (28.11–49.50) and 11.89 (7.28–19.41) for IGRA-positive medical and education workers under 30 years of age, respectively. In the results by occupation within the medical institutions, nurses had the highest SIR at 14.17 (11.14–18.04). ConclusionsHealthcare workers in medical institutions are more likely to develop actual TB after a positive result of LTBI screening in Korea. Intensive management and surveillance programs should be reinforced.

Risk of developing a subsequent primary cancer among adult cancer survivors.

Improvements in cancer control have led to a drastic increase in cancer survivors who may be at an elevated risk of developing subsequent primary cancers (SPC). In this study, we assessed the risk and patterns of SPC development among 196,858 adult cancer survivors in Alberta, Canada. We used data from the Alberta Cancer Registry to identify all first primary cancers occurring between 2004 and 2020. A SPC was considered as the next primary cancer occurring in a different site. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for SPC development as the observed number of SPC (O) divided by the expected number of SPC (E), where E is a weighted-sum of the population-based year-age-sex-specific incidence rates and the corresponding person-years of follow-up. The risk of developing a SPC up to fifteen years after an initial cancer was 16.2% for males and 12.2% for females. Overall, both males (SIR=1.50) and females (SIR=1.58) had an increased risk of a SPC. There were significant increases in SPC risk for nearly all age groups, with a greater than 5-fold increase for survivors diagnosed between ages 18-39. Screen-detectable cancers including colorectal, lung, cervix, and breast accounted for 46% and 27% of SPCs among females and males. Cancer survivors of nearly every initial site had substantially increased risk of a SPC, compared to the cancer risk in the general population. Screen-detectable cancers were common SPC sites and highlights the need to investigate optimal strategies for screening the growing population of cancer survivors.

Incidence of Gastric Adenocarcinoma in Those With Gastric Atrophy: A Systematic Review.

Gastric atrophy (GA), or atrophic gastritis, is a pre-neoplastic lesion of gastric cancer (GC). It is part of the Correa cascade, which culminates in intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma. The cascade posits that intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma develops along a defined pathway of pre-neoplastic stages. The cascade begins with chronic gastritis, most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and proceeds through GA, gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), both complete and incomplete, dysplasia, both low and high-grade, and culminating in intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma. Attempts in Europe have been made to identify patients at risk of developing GC and target them with surveillance oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD). However, there remains uncertainty about GA's risk of developing into GC. This poses issues in terms of guiding the need for and determining intervals for surveillance OGDs, which are a costly form of surveillance. As such, we attempted to gather all available studies assessing the risk of GC developing from GA, which is the first step in the Correa cascade.This study was a comprehensive systematic review of published papers, reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. This systematic review, which included a substantial 25,455 patients across 18 studies, found that the relative risk (RR) of GC in those with GA, using standardised incidence ratios as a measure of RR, was 15.1, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 13.5 to 16.9. We conclude thatGA does increase the risk of developing GC, and this risk may be higher than previously appreciated. Further large-scale studies are needed in Western cohorts of patients to precisely define this risk and guide the need for surveillance programs. These future studies must be standardised to account for H. pylori status, the topographical distribution of the GA, and the methods for assessing the degree of GA.

Comparison of the risk of noise-induced hearing loss between male police officers and male non-police officers: a nationwide cohort study using propensity score matching in South Korea

BackgroundPolice officers are at a high risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) owing to the nature of their work. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the risk of NIHL in police officers and controls.MethodsThis study used the National Health Insurance claims data of workers aged 25–65 years obtained from 2005 to 2015. The case group comprised police officers, while the control group comprised general workers and public officers. The study followed a three-phase cohort design. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated using an indirect standardization method based on age. Propensity score matching was performed using the greedy matching method, with a police officer-to-control group ratio of 1:3. Cox regression analysis was performed for each matched control group. Statistical significance was determined by a lower limit of greater than 1, based on the 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe SIR values for police officers were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.44–1.82) compared with general workers and 1.78 (95% CI: 1.66–1.73) compared with public officers. Police officers exhibited an increased risk of NIHL compared with general workers (hazard ratio (HR): 1.71, 95% CI: 1.49–1.98) and public officers (HR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.88–2.56).ConclusionsIt is necessary to prevent NIHL by reducing occupational noise exposure through measures such as wearing earplugs, improving shooting training methods, and improving the shift work system.

Trends in the Incidence of Renal Replacement Therapy Due to Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis in Japan, 2006-2021.

Objective Patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) are at a high risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). The present study examined recent trends in the incidence of RRT due to RPGN in Japan. Methods The number of patients with incident RRT due to RPGN by sex from 2006 to 2021 was extracted from the Japanese Society of Dialysis Therapy Registry. The incidence rates of RRT were calculated for four-year periods with the census population as the denominator. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and age-specific incidence rates were also calculated. Results From 2006 to 2021, the crude number of patients with incident RRT due to RPGN increased by 34% and 58% in men and women, respectively. The SIRs decreased significantly in 2010-2013 relative to the first period (2006-2009) for both men [0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.96)] and women [0.92 (0.86-0.99)] but then increased to 1.01 (0.96-1.07) for men and 1.20 (1.13-1.27) for women in 2018-2021. In the older age groups (≥70 years old), age-specific incidence rates initially decreased in 2010-2013 but increased thereafter, peaking in 2018-2021. Conclusion From 2006 to 2021, the number of patients with incident RRT due to RPGN increased, with an increase in the age-specific incidence of RRT due to RPGN in the older age groups (≥70 years old), suggesting that the number of patients with incident RRT due to RPGN will continue to increase as the population ages in Japan.